Rating: 
Summary: The Cynsters are back!
Review: After stumbling on the Cynsters last winter, I haunted bookstores until A Secret Love finally appeared on the shelf. Like the Mallorys, the Cynsters are a seductive family, and Gabriel's story doesn't disappoint. The fifth in the "Bar Cynster" series lives up to the standard Ms. Laurens set with her intorduction to the family in Devil's Bride. The story is expertly written, focussing mainly on Gabriels growing obsession and seduction of Alathea. After reading this installment, I fell in love with the Cynsters all over again! As expected, Gabriel was our wonderfully strong, arrogant, overly-protective, sexy and seductive Cynster male. Alathea, was surprisingly intelligent and strong, but with just the right touch of vunerability and naivitee to make the story compelling and believable. I loved this book! It was wonderfully written; making me laugh at the antics the fops that surround Alathea; making me annoyed at Gabriel and Lucifer for their overbearing protectiveness of the twins; making me fall in love with Gabriel; and most of all, making me want to be Alathea. The biggest complaint I have with the story itself is, as seems to be the case with many romance novels, the ending to the myster sub-plot seems a little contrived. However, it was great to meet our old friends whom we haven't seen in a while (namely Chillingworth), but also to get a little more acquainted with fate's next victim, Lucifer. As far as the series goes, it seems Ms. Laurens has developed a pattern. The introduction to the Cynsters with Devils story is both seductive and compelling, the mystery sub-plot provides just the right back drop to allow the reader to focus on Devil and Honoria. Vane's story, I found to best at best, slow. Scandal's story certainly made up for that, and was, so far my favorite. In Demon's story, Ms. Laurens seemed to get lost in the sensuality she was trying to create, and it appeared that the sub-plot was just an excuse to get from one love sceen to another. But in Gabrel's story, Ms. Laurens returns to the superb writing her fans know she is capable of. She focuses on the interaction between Gabriel and Alathea, and expertly intertwines them with the mystery. I haven't yet decided if Gabriel's story has surpasses Scandal's. It will take more than one read to determine that. However, if Scandal's story continues to be my favorite, Gabriel will be a close second. Hopefully this pattern won't continue, and Lucifer's story will be right on par with Devil, Scandal and now Gabriel! If you haven't picked up this book, do it now! I only wish we didn't have to wait for the rest of the series to be published!
Rating: 
Summary: One of her best
Review: Here, Gabriel Cynster has come to life in a way uniquely Laurens. Alathea, a lifelong buddy of the Cynsters needs financial help, and the only one she can turn to is money genius Gabriel Cynster. Unfortunately, Gabriel can't know who she is..., Laurens creats and excellent tale of spellbinding love as the fifth of the Bar Cynsters finds his way to the chapel. One of the best books I've read in a long time. A definite recommend.
Rating:
Summary: Worth The Wait
Review: This book is better than "Rogue's Proposal" for character development and development of the Cynster clan in whole. Almost all the family is mentioned, along with some extended family, some characters from "A Rake's Vow", and Chillingworth. The twins and Chillingworth are elaborated on to help pave the way for the next novels. Lucifer is shown in the background in awe that the "Bar" is falling one by one and realizes that he is the last one left. Lady Alathea Morwellan is an equal to Gabriel Cynster and blocks the usual Cynster tricks used to make a woman say yes to marriage. She, like the others, wants to know that love is mutual before taking the plunge. He finally declares his love in a beautiful and touching way. There are the usual hot love scenes and a swashbuckling meeting of bad guy versus good guys for the climax.
Rating:
Summary: 5 Stars for A Secret Love
Review: Gabriel Cynster is approached for help by a mysterious, veiled, widowed countess: her late husband has potentially signed the earldom away. Despite the veils, Gabriel is intrigued by the countess. She stirs his Cynster blood and he plans to discover her identity and make her his own. As he investigates the mysterious company who can bankrupt his countess, he is also scanning the ton parties to see if his love is there. The countess must be careful in dealing with Gabriel: tell him enough to get him to help her and her family without telling him enough that he will know the family's name. There are secrets she can't reveal to Gabriel, including their shared past. These two strong individuals continue Stephanie Laurens tradition of a strong hero and an equally strong heroine. If you are a Stephanie Laurens follower, you will not be disappointed in "A Secret Love." Gabriel and his countess fascinate you and keep you turning the pages. The depth of their characters, their family ties, and their very believable actions will keep you reading through the night. I couldn't put it down, I had to know what happened next. Stephanie, keep writing these great books.
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Summary: A rollicking good ride!
Review: Stephanie Laurens once again provides an interlude rich with characters and fantasy. Rupert and the Countess meet obstensibly to exchange information about a swindle that's about to ruin the Countess's family but the she always ends up undressed (who in their right mind would go to a clandestine meeting in a dark bedroom?) However its so well done you don't care. That Chillingworth needs his own book. This book provides a number of delightful hours of otherworldly stress relief.
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Summary: A Sequel Worth Waititng For
Review: Gabriel and Alathea have definetly brought back the intrigue, suspense, romance and depth of characters that other sequels to The Devil's Bride lacked. I stayed in my chair from front to finish not wanting the book to end. The stories of Vane and Patience, and Richard and Catriona really paled in comparison to both A Secret Love and The Devil's Bride. Definetly a must read for fans of the Bar Cynster.
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Summary: Very entertaining romance
Review: In 1820, the promissory note shook Alathea Morwellan to the bone. Apparently, her business-dumb father, the Earl of Meredith agreed to remit an amount worth more than his earldom for a percentage of the profits garnered by the Central East Africa Gold Company. Having been the brains behind the success of the earldom for the past eleven years, Alathea refuses to idly await disaster on something that smells of fraud. Alathea decides to wear a veil to hide her identity and obtain help from someone she can trust to remain discreet in case he learns who she is. She turns to her childhood foe Gabriel Cynster, who has a reputation of assisting ladies in trouble for a price. Gabriel charges her with a kiss every time he assists her. As he works to uncover the identity of the con artist(s), Gabriel and Alathea find their kisses turning more passionate each time. Love begins to blossom, even as he tries to uncover the identity of the woman he now plans to marry. A SECRET LOVE is an entertaining Regency romance that will thrill sub-genre fans due to its competent and ardent lead protagonists. The extended families of the two stars magnify the story line by providing depth to plot and to the protagonists. Stephanie Laurens' fifth Cynster tale is another triumph in a series that shows why the era is so cherished by readers. Harriet Klausner
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Summary: Stephanie strikes Cynster Gold again!
Review: I read this book the same day I received it! Stephanie Laurens continuing story of the Bar Cynster is fantastic. In Book 5 of the Cynster series Stephanie Laurens introduces us to Rupert Cynster also known as Gabriel. A committed rake with a strong distaste for financial fraud, Gabriel is enticed into helping the mysterious woman who is known only as the Countess protect her family's future. What Gabriel discovers, along with evidence of fraud is a woman whose strength and vulnerabilty cause him to reconsider his views on love and marriage. The heroine, is a strong female lead who challenges the hero every step of the way. What Gabriel doesn't know is that his mysterious Countess is his childhood playmate and neighbor Alathea Morwellan. As the plot to defraud her family of all their money is gradually exposed, so too is the love that has always existed between these two. While I love all the Cynster novels, this one is probably the strongest Ms Laurens has written since Devil's Bride. The byplay between the male & female leads is strong - filled with emotion and humor. Also, Chillingworth is back as both nemesis and ally, this time treading too close for Gabriel's peace of mind. It is an absolute must read for fans of Stephanie Laurens and the Cynsters.
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Summary: Another winner for Laurens
Review: Another of the Bar Cynster bites the dust and just as reluctantly as his predecessors (but they sure seem happy once they give in to love!) This is Gabriel's story, but all of the other characters from the previous books show up as well. Gabriel meets with a mysterious countess, who obviously has studied him and his family. She know what buttons to push. Because he is bored and she (and her problem) intrigues him he agrees to help. But she must pay in kisses. Readers of Laurens other books will know where that leads! As with her previous books, both male and female protagonists are confident and stubborn indiviuals, used to protecting their own. Laurens makes the compromises realistic - no wimpy ladies here! I recommend this book if you like humor, intelligent characters and plenty of sensuality.
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Summary: The Bar Cynster is back...and HOTTER than ever!
Review: Stephanie Laurens has done it again. This fifth book in the Bar Cynster series continues to prove that she is one of the BEST! Hot and full of adventure, A Secret Love is the story of Gabriel Cynster and a mysterious woman who needs his help, but ends up stealing his heart. Alathea Morwellon has known Gabriel since childhood, but her family is facing certain ruin. Her need for discretion forces her into disguise and raises Gabriel's interest in her to a new level. Packed with a great mystery, hideous villans, really hot love scenes, and a couple that really comes alive, A Secret Love is a must read.
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